Unveiling the 1980 Yamaha XS400: A Journey of Discovery

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Update321

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a classic motorcycle that was produced by Yamaha Motor Company. It is a four-stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin engine with a displacement of 399 cc. The XS400 was known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy handling, making it a popular choice for commuters and beginner riders.

The XS400 was also notable for its styling, which was influenced by the cafe racer motorcycles of the 1960s. It featured a sleek, low-profile design with a round headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a tuck-and-roll seat. The XS400 was available in a variety of colors, including black, red, blue, and silver.

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a significant motorcycle in the history of motorcycling. It was one of the first Japanese motorcycles to be widely exported to the United States, and it helped to establish Yamaha as a major player in the global motorcycle market. The XS400 is still a popular choice for classic motorcycle enthusiasts today, and it is often used in vintage motorcycle racing and restoration projects.

1980 Yamaha XS400

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy handling. It is also notable for its styling, which was influenced by the cafe racer motorcycles of the 1960s. Here are 10 key aspects of the 1980 Yamaha XS400:

Engine: Four-stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin engine with a displacement of 399 cc.
Power: 33 horsepower at 8,500 rpm.
Torque: 25 foot-pounds at 7,500 rpm.
Fuel system: Carburetor.
Transmission: Five-speed.
Final drive: Chain.
Frame: Tubular steel frame.
Suspension: Front: telescopic forks; Rear: swingarm with dual shocks.
Brakes: Front: single disc; Rear: drum.
Weight: 385 pounds.

These key aspects make the 1980 Yamaha XS400 a popular choice for commuters and beginner riders. It is also a popular choice for classic motorcycle enthusiasts and is often used in vintage motorcycle racing and restoration projects.

Engine

The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and the 1980 Yamaha XS400’s engine is no exception. This four-stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin engine is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy maintenance.

Reliability: The XS400’s engine is built to last, with a simple design that is easy to maintain. This makes it a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle that they can count on.
Fuel efficiency: The XS400’s engine is also very fuel efficient, getting up to 60 mpg in real-world riding conditions. This makes it a great choice for commuters and other riders who want to save money on gas.
Easy maintenance: The XS400’s engine is also very easy to maintain. It has a simple design that makes it easy to work on, and it doesn’t require any special tools or skills.

Overall, the 1980 Yamaha XS400’s engine is a great choice for riders who want a reliable, fuel efficient, and easy-to-maintain motorcycle.

Power

The power output of a motorcycle engine is an important factor to consider, as it affects the bike’s performance, acceleration, and top speed. The 1980 Yamaha XS400 produces 33 horsepower at 8,500 rpm, which is a good amount of power for a motorcycle of its size.

This power output gives the XS400 good acceleration and a top speed of around 100 mph. It also allows the bike to carry a passenger and luggage without too much difficulty.

The XS400’s power output is also well-suited for everyday riding conditions. The bike has enough power to get you through traffic and up hills without lugging the engine. It is also smooth and easy to control, making it a good choice for beginner riders.

Overall, the 1980 Yamaha XS400’s power output is a good balance of performance and practicality. It gives the bike good acceleration and a reasonable top speed, while still being easy to control and fuel efficient.

Torque

Torque is a measure of the twisting force that an engine produces. It is important because it affects the bike’s acceleration, hill-climbing ability, and overall performance. The 1980 Yamaha XS400 produces 25 foot-pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm, which is a good amount of torque for a motorcycle of its size.

This torque output gives the XS400 good acceleration and hill-climbing ability. It also allows the bike to carry a passenger and luggage without too much difficulty.

The XS400’s torque output is also well-suited for everyday riding conditions. The bike has enough torque to get you through traffic and up hills without lugging the engine. It is also smooth and easy to control, making it a good choice for beginner riders.

Overall, the 1980 Yamaha XS400’s torque output is a good balance of performance and practicality. It gives the bike good acceleration and hill-climbing ability, while still being easy to control and fuel efficient.

Fuel system

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 uses a carburetor to mix fuel and air for its engine. This is a common type of fuel system for motorcycles, and it is known for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Components: A carburetor has a number of components, including a float bowl, a venturi, and a throttle valve. The float bowl holds the fuel and maintains a constant fuel level. The venturi is a constriction in the airflow that creates a vacuum, which draws fuel from the float bowl and mixes it with air. The throttle valve controls the amount of air that flows through the carburetor, which in turn controls the amount of fuel that is mixed with the air.
Operation: When the engine is running, air flows through the carburetor and into the venturi. This creates a vacuum that draws fuel from the float bowl and mixes it with the air. The fuel-air mixture then flows into the engine’s cylinders, where it is burned to create power.
Advantages: Carburetors are relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and they are easy to maintain. They are also very reliable, and they can operate in a variety of conditions.
Disadvantages: Carburetors can be difficult to tune, and they can be affected by changes in temperature and altitude. They can also be less fuel-efficient than other types of fuel systems, such as fuel injection.

Overall, the carburetor is a simple and reliable fuel system that is well-suited for the 1980 Yamaha XS400. It is easy to maintain and tune, and it provides good fuel economy.

Transmission

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is equipped with a five-speed transmission. This is a common type of transmission for motorcycles, and it provides a good balance of performance and fuel economy.

The five gears in the XS400’s transmission are spaced relatively close together, which gives the rider a lot of flexibility in choosing the right gear for the riding conditions. This is important for a motorcycle that is used for a variety of purposes, such as commuting, touring, and canyon carving.

The first gear in the XS400’s transmission is very low, which makes it ideal for starting off from a stop or riding in slow-speed traffic. The second gear is also relatively low, which makes it good for accelerating out of corners or climbing hills. The third, fourth, and fifth gears are all taller, which makes them good for cruising at highway speeds or overtaking other vehicles.

The XS400’s five-speed transmission is a well-matched component for the bike’s engine. It provides a good balance of performance and fuel economy, and it makes the bike easy to ride in a variety of conditions.

Final drive

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 uses a chain for its final drive. This is a common type of final drive for motorcycles, and it is known for its durability, efficiency, and relatively low maintenance requirements.

Components: A chain final drive consists of a chain, a front sprocket, and a rear sprocket. The chain is made up of a series of links that are connected by pins. The front sprocket is attached to the transmission output shaft, and the rear sprocket is attached to the rear wheel.
Operation: When the engine is running, the transmission output shaft turns the front sprocket, which in turn turns the chain. The chain then turns the rear sprocket, which drives the rear wheel.
Advantages: Chain final drives are relatively lightweight and efficient. They are also durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Chain final drives are also relatively easy to maintain, and they can be adjusted or replaced relatively easily.
Disadvantages: Chain final drives can be noisy, and they require regular maintenance, such as lubrication and adjustment. Chain final drives can also be vulnerable to damage from dirt and debris, and they can be more expensive to replace than other types of final drives.

Overall, the chain final drive is a good choice for the 1980 Yamaha XS400. It is durable, efficient, and relatively easy to maintain. However, it is important to keep the chain properly lubricated and adjusted to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.

Frame

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 uses a tubular steel frame. This type of frame is known for its strength, durability, and relatively light weight. It is a common choice for motorcycles, especially those that are designed for performance and handling.

Strength: Tubular steel frames are very strong and can withstand a lot of force. This is important for a motorcycle frame, as it needs to be able to support the weight of the rider, the engine, and the other components of the bike. It also needs to be able to withstand the forces that are generated when the bike is riding over bumps or when it is involved in an accident.
Durability: Tubular steel frames are also very durable and can last for many years. This is due to the fact that steel is a very strong and corrosion-resistant material. Tubular steel frames are also less likely to crack or break than other types of frames.
Weight: Tubular steel frames are relatively light weight, which is important for a motorcycle frame. A lighter frame makes the bike easier to handle and more fuel-efficient.

Overall, the tubular steel frame is an excellent choice for the 1980 Yamaha XS400. It provides the bike with strength, durability, and light weight, all of which are important factors for a motorcycle frame.

Suspension

The suspension system of a motorcycle is responsible for absorbing shocks and vibrations from the road surface, providing a more comfortable ride for the rider and improving the bike’s handling and stability. The 1980 Yamaha XS400 uses a telescopic fork suspension in the front and a swingarm with dual shocks in the rear. This type of suspension system is common on motorcycles and provides a good balance of comfort and handling.

Telescopic forks: Telescopic forks are the most common type of front suspension on motorcycles. They consist of two tubes, one sliding inside the other, with a spring and damper inside. As the wheel moves up and down, the forks compress and extend, absorbing shocks and vibrations.
Swingarm with dual shocks: A swingarm with dual shocks is a common type of rear suspension on motorcycles. It consists of a swingarm that pivots on the frame, with two shock absorbers mounted on either side. As the wheel moves up and down, the swingarm pivots and the shocks compress and extend, absorbing shocks and vibrations.

The suspension system on the 1980 Yamaha XS400 is well-suited for the bike’s intended use. The telescopic forks provide good handling and stability, while the swingarm with dual shocks provides a comfortable ride. This combination makes the XS400 a good choice for commuting, touring, and other general riding purposes.

Brakes

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is equipped with a single disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear. This combination of brakes is common on motorcycles of this era, and it provides good stopping power and modulation.

The single disc brake in the front is more powerful than the drum brake in the rear, and it is responsible for the majority of the bike’s stopping power. The disc brake is also more resistant to fade than the drum brake, which means that it will continue to perform well even after repeated hard use.

The drum brake in the rear is less powerful than the disc brake in the front, but it is still adequate for providing additional stopping power and for locking the rear wheel when necessary. The drum brake is also less expensive to maintain than the disc brake, and it is less likely to be damaged by dirt and debris.

Overall, the combination of a single disc brake in the front and a drum brake in the rear provides the 1980 Yamaha XS400 with good stopping power and modulation. This combination of brakes is well-suited for the bike’s intended use, and it provides a good balance of performance and value.

Weight

The weight of the 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a significant factor that affects its performance, handling, and fuel economy. At 385 pounds, the XS400 is relatively lightweight for a motorcycle of its size. This gives it a number of advantages, including:

Improved acceleration and top speed: A lighter motorcycle is easier to accelerate and can reach a higher top speed than a heavier motorcycle.
Better handling: A lighter motorcycle is easier to maneuver and handle, especially at low speeds.
Increased fuel economy: A lighter motorcycle requires less energy to move, which can result in better fuel economy.

However, the weight of the XS400 can also be a disadvantage in some situations. For example, a heavier motorcycle is more stable at high speeds and in strong winds. It is also less likely to be blown around by crosswinds. Additionally, a heavier motorcycle can provide a more comfortable ride, as it is less likely to be affected by bumps and vibrations in the road.

Overall, the weight of the 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a compromise between performance, handling, fuel economy, and stability. It is a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is lightweight and easy to handle, but still has enough weight to provide stability and a comfortable ride.

FAQs about the 1980 Yamaha XS400

Question 1: What is the engine displacement of the 1980 Yamaha XS400?

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 has a four-stroke, air-cooled, parallel twin engine with a displacement of 399 cc.

Question 2: How much horsepower does the 1980 Yamaha XS400 produce?

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 produces 33 horsepower at 8,500 rpm.

Question 3: What is the torque output of the 1980 Yamaha XS400?

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 produces 25 foot-pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm.

Question 4: What type of fuel system does the 1980 Yamaha XS400 use?

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 uses a carburetor to mix fuel and air for its engine.

Question 5: How many gears does the 1980 Yamaha XS400 have?

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 has a five-speed transmission.

Question 6: What type of final drive does the 1980 Yamaha XS400 use?

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 uses a chain for its final drive.

These are just a few of the most common questions about the 1980 Yamaha XS400. For more information, please consult the owner’s manual or a qualified motorcycle mechanic.

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a great choice for riders who want a reliable, fuel efficient, and easy-to-handle motorcycle. It is also a popular choice for classic motorcycle enthusiasts and is often used in vintage motorcycle racing and restoration projects.

Tips for Maintaining a 1980 Yamaha XS400

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy handling. With proper maintenance, it can provide many years of riding enjoyment. Here are a few tips to help you keep your XS400 running in top condition:

Tip 1: Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your XS400’s engine running smoothly. The oil helps to lubricate the moving parts in the engine and prevents them from wearing out prematurely. It is important to change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Tip 2: Check the tire pressure regularly and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. This will help to improve the bike’s handling and stability, and it will also help to extend the life of the tires.

Tip 3: Keep the chain clean and lubricated. The chain is a critical part of the XS400’s drivetrain, and it needs to be properly maintained to ensure that the bike runs smoothly and efficiently. Clean the chain regularly with a degreaser and then lubricate it with a chain lube.

Tip 4: Inspect the brakes regularly and replace the pads when necessary. The brakes are essential for stopping the bike safely, so it is important to make sure that they are in good working condition. Check the brake pads for wear and replace them when they are worn down to the minimum thickness.

Tip 5: Keep the battery charged and clean the terminals. The battery provides the power to start the bike and to operate the electrical system. It is important to keep the battery charged and to clean the terminals regularly to prevent corrosion.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your 1980 Yamaha XS400 running in top condition for many years to come.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

Regular maintenance can help to extend the life of your XS400 and improve its performance.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your XS400 running smoothly and safely.

Transition to the article’s conclusion:

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a great choice for riders who want a reliable, fuel efficient, and easy-to-handle motorcycle. With proper maintenance, it can provide many years of riding enjoyment.

Conclusion

The 1980 Yamaha XS400 is a classic motorcycle that is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and easy handling. It is a popular choice for commuters, beginner riders, and classic motorcycle enthusiasts alike.

This article has explored the key features of the 1980 Yamaha XS400, including its engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and weight. We have also provided tips for maintaining your XS400 in top condition.